What are some of the rules you will try when you are a teacher full time?
I feel that there is one easy catch all rule and that is to respect other people and possessions. This covers raising your hand, talking while others are, being disruptful, late and being unsafe in the lab. This is so a rule that applies not only to the students but also to the teacher as well, so it lets the students know that the teacher is also responsible for their behavior. Also since it is only one rule it is easy to remember.
How do you react to the definitions and guidelines for engaging students?
I feel that they are all good ideas and can be incorporated into various lessons but i do not see how you can always have a lesson that is engaging to all students all the time. There really is just not enough time to create and implement these practises into every lesson.
Meaningful or related to the student's life or interests
Working together with peers
Incorporates games
Created by the student (and therefore more authentic)
Resulting in a piece of work the student is proud of and wants to share
Challenging -- but not so challenging it is unattainable
Considers different learning styles
Allows for student choice
Can be extended by students
What strategies are you using to engage your students? To disengage your students?
I try and engage my students by providing hands on activities, going outside, addressing silly questions, and possing some of my own. I try and relate to them on an individual level outside of class that helps form a connection and helps mitigate classroom management. Students become disengaged when I lecture more than usual or when half the class understand something while the other half doesnt and we still have to cover the material.
Insightful thoughts. I agree that these guidelines would be a little much to include in each lesson! Your other point is interesting - should students be engaged in every lesson? New teachers should think carefully about this one, since what I read into this is a need for emotional variety over the course of a week, month, etc.. Is that what you're thinking? It sounds like you are already using some of the strategies mentioned in the article, but not others. Is there room to try new approaches? (Side note: Three typos in this post are underlined in the wikispace editor. To optimize parent confidence in your teaching, remember to develop the habit of eliminating ALL typos in your writing.) - fogleman
I feel that there is one easy catch all rule and that is to respect other people and possessions. This covers raising your hand, talking while others are, being disruptful, late and being unsafe in the lab. This is so a rule that applies not only to the students but also to the teacher as well, so it lets the students know that the teacher is also responsible for their behavior. Also since it is only one rule it is easy to remember.
I feel that they are all good ideas and can be incorporated into various lessons but i do not see how you can always have a lesson that is engaging to all students all the time. There really is just not enough time to create and implement these practises into every lesson.
I try and engage my students by providing hands on activities, going outside, addressing silly questions, and possing some of my own. I try and relate to them on an individual level outside of class that helps form a connection and helps mitigate classroom management. Students become disengaged when I lecture more than usual or when half the class understand something while the other half doesnt and we still have to cover the material.
Insightful thoughts. I agree that these guidelines would be a little much to include in each lesson! Your other point is interesting - should students be engaged in every lesson? New teachers should think carefully about this one, since what I read into this is a need for emotional variety over the course of a week, month, etc.. Is that what you're thinking? It sounds like you are already using some of the strategies mentioned in the article, but not others. Is there room to try new approaches? (Side note: Three typos in this post are underlined in the wikispace editor. To optimize parent confidence in your teaching, remember to develop the habit of eliminating ALL typos in your writing.) -